By car

Newcastle is a two hour drive north of Sydney on the F3 freeway which starts at Wahroonga (close to Hornsby) on the North Shore. The scenic freeway is in excellent condition and driving is normally not difficult. However, as a large number of people commute to Sydney daily from the Central Coast and even Newcastle, travellers driving north during the evening peak (5PM to 7PM) will encounter heavy traffic between Wahroonga and the Central Coast with traffic easing off as you travel north the reverse applies to south bound traffic during the morning commute.

By train

Sydney's Central, Strathfield, Epping and Hornsby stations have hourly Cityrail trains to Newcastle Station via the Central Coast. Travelling time is about 2.5-3 hours, and there is at least one train per hour for most of the day.

Several Countrylink services pass through Newcastle's Broadmeadow station (approximately 5 kms from the CBD) daily from Sydney and the Central Coast to the south and from the Northern Rivers and New England. These trains are a lot more expensive than Cityrail services and tickets must be booked in advance, but they are somewhat more comfortable and are also faster. Occasionally Countrylink discount tickets by up to 50% if booking tickets within 24 hours of travel, so it may be worth checking their fare.

By plane

Newcastle Airport is a regional hub served by a number of domestic airlines:

    * Jetstar, flys to and from Brisbane , Gold Coast and Melbourne.  

    * Virgin Blue, flys to and from Brisbane, Melbourne and the Gold Coast.